Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary: Joydip

It's a rarity to find areas densely covered with trees and foliage these days within a metropolitan city but Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary (short form - CKBS) , also known as "Kayaler Bagan" is a pleasant sight in the city of joy -Kolkata. Though the sanctuary is not located in the heart of the city but it's presence is of great importance to a large aviary community in its surroundings ,on the fringes of the city.

The Sanctuary opens at 7 in the morning and is open till 5 in the evening and is a treat for any bird-lover as it houses a wide range of birds and certain reptiles like the monitor lizard. Though a number of birds found in the sanctuary might be available with the city, hovering around housing complexes but to find them in their natural habitats is a pleasing sight.

Morning rays greeting at the entry to the Sanctuary

Ways to reach the sanctuary:
The Sanctuary is located about 15 KMs from the heart of the city and the nearest railway station is Sonarpur on the Sealdah-Diamond Harbour Line. From Sonarpur station, one can hire an auto which charges a nominal fare for a ride of 20 minutes. The Sanctuary can also be reached via the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass road.

Best Time to visit:
Birds are found through out the year but the ideal time to visit and enjoy the environment would be between the months of November and January.

Entry Fee :
INR 50 per head. No charges for Camera.

There are paths laid out in the jungle which could be followed to reach the various corners and along those paths, one would find a large variety of foliage with the birds chirping away between them.

The jungle trail ...

The forest also offers wild flora and vegetation.The areas with in the forest have a number of small and medium sized intermittent water bodies and some of these have reptiles like the monitor lizard.

One can find a number of bird species and with some patience and luck might catch a glimpse of them at hand's distance. Some of the abundant birds here are the Jungle Babbler, Red vented Bulbul and others to be found easily are Black headed Oriole, Rose ringed Parakeet, Asian Koel, Flycatchers and Magpie Robins.